The Real Deal returns to Strathmore
Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor
The Real Deal, an 8-piece band from Calgary, makes its second visit to Strathmore, Saturday, Feb. 16. Sponsored by the Strathmore Musical Arts Society and held in the Travelodge Ballroom, the event starts with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.
John Lacey, spokesperson and a founding member of the group, says The Real Deal enjoys playing a wide range of music – blues and r & b, funk and soul, Motown and swing.
“We wanted (and still do) like to play a little of everything for everybody,” Lacey said.
“We do our best to play for the people – not for ourselves.”
He says the event isn’t so much a concert, but an “evening of entertainment, good fun, lots of dancing and making new friends!” he says, “We make every effort to keep our material danceable.”
The Real Deal was formed 12 years ago, with bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, saxophone and lead singer. Two original members are still with the band, others have been members for six to nine years, and the newest member came on board a year and a half ago. “They are all very capable and dedicated musicians,” Lacey says, “who work hard at their craft and want to continually improve.”
He says the band thoroughly enjoyed their first event in Strathmore last year.
“We were very impressed with the crowd… and the overall vibe and sincerity of the people,” he says, and is also impressed with our community. “The Musical Arts Society and the people of Strathmore are to be highly commended for supporting live music and taking an interest in the arts.”
The Real Deal’s CD, which Lacey describes as “our twist on cover tunes that have stood the test of time,” will be available for purchase at the Feb. 16 event. You can sample the group’s music at therealdealband.ca. Get tickets at strathmorearts.com.
Lacey says, “We hope for a good turnout and want to make this an annual event!”
For $50 per ticket guests will receive dinner along with the show. Tickets are available at Pro Water Conditioning, Assist Business Centre and PJ’s Appliances. People can also go online to www.strathmorearts.com and purchase tickets through PayPal.